Health Notes: Lions Clubs can recycle hearing aids too

February 20, 2010|By Prue Salasky

The Lions Clubs are known for their collection, repair and distribution of eyeglasses. What many don't know is that they can refurbish hearing aids too. Thomas "Randy" Howell, sight and hearing chair of the Hampton Host Lions, says they're desperately short of hearing aids. They prefer the older, behind-the-ear models as some of the newer ones have proprietary technology and others have to be remolded to fit.

Howell's group serves the Wythe area of Hampton and he's sure that if everybody in the area went through their house, they would come up with at least 50 hearing aids. People can drop them off at his office at 47 W. Queens Way or at the Oasis Restaurant, 3506 Kecoughtan Road in Hampton.

Audiologist David Taylor, who has a mobile service, www.ears2you.net (344-5030), has started work with the local Lions. "They haven't been focusing on hearing until recently because they have not had someone to fit the aids for quite some time," he says. With his mobile service, which he takes to nursing homes, shut-ins and assisted living facilities, Taylor can do hearing testing, fitting, repair and maintenance wherever there's a quiet room. The typical life-span of a hearing aid is five years, but with good care and little change in hearing, you can expect to use an aid for seven to eight years, he says.

"There are a lot of people out there with hearing loss who can't afford hearing aids. You can get reconditioned aids with a one-year warranty," he says, adding that "if they have parts, they're usually fixable."

• This Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Lions' Sight and Hearing van will be at the Greater Hampton Roads Boys Club, 629 Hampton Ave., Newport News, offering screenings and recommendations. It will also accept donated glasses and hearing aids.

To reach the Lions' answering service, which will direct you to your service area, call 594-0082.

'Doctor is in' lecture

"Get Smart with your Heart: What Every Woman Should Know about Heart Health," from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday in the food court at Patrick Henry Mall. The lecture is part of the monthly "Doctor is in" series, sponsored by the Riverside Medical Group. Lectures last about one hour and include a Q-and-A session allowing attendees to interact with the presenting physician. Free and open to the public.

• Noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 28, blood drive in the New York & Company court, Patrick Henry Mall.

Practice safe sex

In this, National Condom Week, Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Virginia is urging individuals to talk to their partners about the importance of using condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections. Condoms are the only form of contraception that also help reduce the risk of STIs.

In "Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance 2008," a recently released report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it estimates a rate of nearly 19 million STIs annually. Nearly half of those occur among 15- to 24-year-olds. "Many people who have an STI don't even realize it, yet some of these 'silent' infections can cause infertility and even death," says Erin Zabel, spokeswoman for the local organization. "Too often the conversation doesn't happen until it's too late."

According to Planned Parenthood, biological factors place women at greater risk of infection than men and contribute to more severe health consequences. "It's important to let your partner know that you want to use condoms every time you have sex to keep both of you healthy," says Zabel.

Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Virginia provides health services and education to prevent STIs and unintended pregnancy. Condoms are available free at Planned Parenthood health centers without an appointment or registering as a patient.

Live Web chats

Join us on the first Wednesday of every month for a live Web chat, "Ask the Experts," at www.dailypress.com between noon and 1 p.m. Next up, "What's Your Nutrition IQ?" on March 3 with Jennifer Shea, Supervalu dietitian, and Johanna Hahn, senior extension agent, family and consumer sciences.